War transforms personal and national identity, catalyzing psychological, cultural, and social change. This dissertation explores how the ongoing Russian–Ukrainian war reshapes identity individually and collectively. Drawing from psychological theories— including Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Erikson’s psychosocial development, Social Identity Theory, and Self-Categorization Theory—it examines how war disrupts basic psychological stability, forcing individuals to confront questions of purpose and belonging. On a personal level, the war has led many Ukrainians to reshape their beliefs and values. Psychological trauma, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been a key factor in reshaping emotional functioning and personality, often resulting in anger, anxiety, and shifts in interpersonal behavior. Displacement and life as a refugee make it harder for people to develop their sense of identity. They often feel a deep sense of loss for their home culture, while also struggling between adapting to a new society and holding on to their national roots. On a national level, the war has catalyzed the formation of a more unified Ukrainian identity, especially in regions previously characterized by cultural ambiguity or Russian affiliation. Shared trauma, collective memory, and civic resistance have played central roles in this transformation. Empirical data reveal a marked increase in national identification, even among Russian-speaking populations. The war has not only deepened patriotism and

solidarity but also redefined what it means to be Ukrainian in the 21st century. Acts of collective resilience—from volunteer efforts to cultural expression—demonstrate how identity becomes a source of strength and moral clarity in times of existential threat. This paper illustrates that identity is not a fixed construct, but a dynamic and evolving response to social and historical forces.